My FH5 Log: Ao-Soarer Jumping Heart

The third-generation Toyota Soarer showcased to the world that a Japanese carmaker can jump onto the GT bandwagon by offering drivers a sensible grand tourer worth enjoyable to drive. The same goes for its so-called spiritual successor, the Lexus LC.

The Toyota Soarer and Lexus LC are both grand touring cars that offer drivers a sensible and enjoyable driving experience. When you compare these two cars, you'll discover that they have a lot in common. So, how well do we know these two?

The third-generation Toyota Soarer is a luxury coupe that I won from Forza Horizon 5's Back to the 90s Summer Season Playlist. Launched in 1991, the third-generation Soarer eschews the muscular shape of its predecessor in favor of a rounder design. This is the first Soarer that was sold overseas as the Lexus SC. In the US, it won the 1992 Import Car of the Year. Engine choices include a 1UZ-FE 4.0L V8 engine, a 2JZ-GE 3.0L 6-cylinder engine, and seen here is the 1JZ-GTE 2.5L six-cylinder twin-turbo engine. Depending on the engine choices, the Z30 Soarer is mated to either a 4-speed AT or a 5-speed MT.

Now, let's talk about the Lexus LC 500, one of the last remaining V8-powered JDM cars. Although the design is heavily inspired by the LF-LC Concept, the LC is the first Lexus to use Toyota's TNGA platform. It's powered by the 472HP 5.0L naturally-aspirated V8 engine mated to a Lexus-first 10-speed AT.

The Lexus LC became the last Lexus vehicle to compete in the Super GT's GT500 class before it was replaced by the Toyota GR Supra for the 2020 season. In its three-season tenure from 2017 to 2019, the LC 500 emerged as the two-time champion with the #37 KeePer TOM'S and the #6 WAKO'S 4CR LC500 bagging the titles.

To see how much progress the LC has gained compared to the Z30 Soarer it draws inspiration from, I went outside the Horizon Rush site to conduct this sensible experiment. Roll the tape.

And now, the results...

Lap Times:

Soarer Z30 - 1m12.606s

LC500 - 1m06.834s

The V8-powered Lexus LC 500 is a formidable machine. In a side-by-side race, it outperformed the Toyota Soarer Z30 by six seconds quicker than the latter's time. This result is especially impressive considering that the Z30 Soarer is a formidable machine in its own right.

The Lexus LC is a grand touring car that offers drivers a sensible and enjoyable driving experience. It's a Happy Set of performance, comfort, and style that you would expect from the company behind the last V8-powered JDM sports cars. Just like the Toyota Soarer Z30, it really is "for mind cruising".

For Mind Cruising...that's what it said during the commercials for the Toyota Soarer Z30 while in the backdrop of Eric Carmen's All By Myself. Anyway, with the LC500 proving its worth, it's time for a little one-car show performance. But first...

My Lexus LC500 now has the striking image of a Kansai stagegirl we all love. I kinda miss her. I even fitted it with the LBWK kit to make it look like a Super GT racer. Touche...

Prepped for the Revue Act, my Lexus LC is prepared to take on a rather good EventLab creation that deserves no introduction. It's a circuit setting with a touge taste to it. A chance to flex some Japanese muscles on the corners. Anyway, let's roll the tape.

Nearly perfect but that's my highlight.

Lexus is the only Japanese car brand that still offers V8 engines in its sports coupes, such as the RC F and LC 500. However, as the world moves toward electric vehicles, these gas-guzzling machines are likely to become extinct. Although it sounds cruel, this is the new normal we live in but their legacies will be forever in our hearts and minds.

Just like last time, domo arigato. You made us proud.

Lexus LBX Morizo RR

First made a worldwide premiere at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon, the Lexus LBX Morizo RR is now a living thing, and with prices starting at 6.5 million Japanese Yen plus additional costs, you can now have an LBX that is as good as a Toyota GR Yaris but with extra doors for your buddies.

2025 Lexus LBX Morizo RR

The first-ever Lexus LBX Morizo RR is the result of what happens when a regular Lexus baby crossover watches too much shonen anime content and goes over 9000 if you know what I'm saying. Metaphors aside, the naming is proof that this hi-performance compact is the handwork of Morizo, former Toyota boss Akio Toyoda's nickname.

2025 Lexus LBX Morizo RR

2025 Lexus LBX Morizo RR interior

Although it looks and feels just like a normal LBX, the sporty aerodynamics and the sports seats up front are proof that this is no ordinary LBX. This is basically a glorified Toyota GR Yaris with two extra doors for everybody. Want to know the kicker? A random 100 customers will have a chance to personalize their own interiors courtesy of the Bespoke Build variant with eight seat colors, three seatbelt colors, and three stitching offered for its 100 randomly chosen potential customers. Yes. Randomly chosen because of the lottery system implemented just like the Toyota GR Corolla a while back.

Powering the LBX Morizo RR is the same G16E-GTS 1.6L 3-cylinder intercooler turbo engine that powers the recently facelifted GR Yaris, producing 304PS power output and 400Nm of torque. In addition to the 8-speed Direct Automatic Transmission, which debuted on the GR Yaris minor change, the LBX Morizo RR is the first Lexus to be mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Yes. The first-ever Lexus with a stick shift. How about that? Don't say anything.

Being pleased about the Lexus-first manual gearbox implemented on this crossover, the LBX Morizo RR accommodates its electronically controlled full-time AWD driveline with the suspension layout of the AWD version of the base LBX, which is MacPherson struts in front and a double wishbone arrangement at the rear. Thanks to the dynamics inherited from the facelifted Toyota GR Yaris, the Lexus LBX Morizo RR is well-prepared to tear through asphalt or dirt if you're into that.

At long last, there is now a Lexus that is worth addictive to drive in GR Yaris-sized chunks, and with the Lexus-first manual gearbox, the Lexus LBX Morizo RR is too awesome to be missed. This is your newest JDM favorite.

Available Colors: White Nova Glass Flake & Black, Heat Blue Contrast Layering & Black, Red Spinel & Black, Sonic Chrome & Black, and Graphite Black Glass Flake.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Lexus LBX

Lexus's first-ever compact crossover, the LBX, looks more like a glorified Toyota Yaris Cross but there's something more about this entry-level Lexus crossover.

2024 Lexus LBX

Starting at 4.6 million Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the first-ever Lexus LBX is ironically slightly more expensive than its big brother, the UX, but being the glorified Toyota Yaris Cross it was meant to be, the LBX prefers to keep it modest on the city streets even though it was classified as a luxury vehicle.

2024 Lexus LBX

Beginning with the design, the Lexus LBX is sized like its Toyota Yaris Cross derivative, making it easy to live with and park at its pace. With the front view reminiscent of the LM, the side view is highly reminiscent of today's Honda Fit and the rear view can be easily mistaken for an Aston Martin DBX so yes, it's classified luxury crossover from scratch but despite its luxury status, the LBX feels right at home at typical Japanese suburbs because of such sizing.

2024 Lexus LBX interior

Asked about the interior, the LBX adopts the Tazuna concept approach applied in "new normal" Lexus vehicles, giving it a more minimalist approach. Behind the wheel, the LBX features a 12.3-inch TFT liquid crystal meter, a rather flashy HUD with touch tracer operation, and a 9.8-inch touch display audio, among others. As expected on a new normal Lexus, the controversial e-latch inside door handles are present, which is good until the car battery dies, rendering these handles inoperable, and leaving you trapped. Bad mark for Lexus there.

On the spacing side, this five-seater features foldable second-row seats, giving it 330 liters of boot space for FF variants when not using a 2-tier deck board. The extra two-liter under-deck storage gives slightly more space for goodies when needed.

2024 Lexus LBX

The LBX is powered only by the 1.5L Hybrid Dynamic Force powertrain where the 1.5L M15A-FXE engine is connected to a 69kW electric motor and a Bipolar Nickel battery from the Aqua, producing a system power output of 136PS. Because all variants are mated to a CVT, the LBX's front-wheel drive variant can go up to 27.7kmpl of fuel economy under WLTC Mode standards while AWD variants get 26.2kmpl.

Running on the same GA-B platform as the Toyota Yaris Cross, the Lexus LBX behaves rather well on all walks of life even though it's a tad regular to drive on the open roads or with the AWD system that fits well on either tarmac, gravel, or snow. 

As for safety, the Lexus LBX is equipped with the evolved Lexus Safety System + and advanced parking assistance as well as Lexus Teammate Advanced Drive (Congestion Assistance), Lexus Teammate Advanced Park (with remote functionality), and Advanced Park remote functionality, among others.

It may be a glorified Yaris Cross that is slightly more expensive than its big brother, the UX, but the Lexus LBX is an entry-level crossover that prefers to be modest and down-to-earth not just on city roads but almost everywhere. Tackling through all walks of life and getting the job done is what the LBX does best, albeit not as exciting as expected, but still, it's all about keeping it plain and simple the Lexus way.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Lexus LM (TAWH15W)

Lexus's first-ever minivan, the LM, has arrived and those who believed that today's Toyota Alphard and Vellfire aren't luxurious enough for them should consider the fanciest equivalent if they have a massive price to pay.

2024 Lexus LM

The first-ever Lexus LM, priced at 20 million Yen plus additional costs, is no doubt the most expensive minivan in the world thanks to its ultra-luxurious features that can upset today's BMW 7-Series. Although this is basically the highest-ranked version of the Toyota Alphard it was based on, the Lexus LM is fit enough for the 1% to relax while on the move.

2024 Lexus LM

Beginning with the exterior design, the LM features an Alphard-esque side view while donning an un-Lexus front face and a rear view that proudly spells LEXUS all over. This is the first time you'll see a Lexus logo on the front face that is not in the grille since the LFA supercar from a long time ago and such appeal really means authority for the LM.

2024 Lexus LM interior

2024 Lexus LM interior

Despite its minivan looks, the Lexus LM is basically a four-seater fancy living digest because the driver's side and the passenger's side are separated by the 48-inch flat-screen monitor. Beginning with the driver's side, it's packed with the LFA-inspired instrumental panel that most Lexus models don as well as the HUD, a 14-inch touchscreen sat-nav, loads of USB-C ports, climate control, and so on.

On the passenger's side, this is where the out-on-a-limo experience kicks in because, with the special device, passengers can control the ottoman seats with the built-in massager, ambient lighting, the rear entertainment system, air conditioning, and others. Mind you, the rear monitor features a picture-to-picture experience so passengers can watch some movies while video conferencing with other businesspeople when they're out of the office, stuck in traffic, or whatever comes across them. Don't forget that there's a built-in refrigerator where they can store your refreshments as well.

2024 Lexus LM

Just like its lesser Toyota Alphard and Vellfire equivalents, the Lexus LM runs on the TNGA platform, front MacPherson struts, rear double wishbones, and ventilated disc brakes. The only powertrain is the same one used in the RX500 F SPORT Performance and the Toyota Crown Crossover. It combines the 2.4L T24A-FTS turbocharged engine with two electric motors and a nickel-metal battery, producing 371PS of system power output and while mated to a 6-speed AT, it has 13.5km/l of combined fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards.

Because of the DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system, the LM feels different to drive compared to today's Toyota Alphard and Vellfire minivans with e-Four in it and it feels rather silly to put it on Sport Mode because that will make it a "king in its throne". Toilet finish. Speaking of toilet finish, the Lexus LM features a signature Rear Comfort driving mode that prioritizes comfort for rear passengers while on the move. Although it isn't textbook Rolls-Royce comfort, it soothes the rear passengers like a mermaid's tale all the way home.

Speaking of a mermaid's tale, the Lexus LM features the third-generation Lexus Intelligent Safety System+ (LSS+3.0) with a Pre-Crash Safety system, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Change Assist, Road Sign Assist, Adaptive High-Beam System, driver monitor, Proactive Driving Assist, and others. It even comes with the Lexus Teammate Advance Drive, and Advance Park as well.

The ultra-luxurious and ultra-expensive Lexus LM is the ultimate luxury minivan fit enough for the 1% to relax while on the move. Whether you're going to Okada, Newport World Resorts, Solaire, City of Dreams, Hann, or whatever casino-resorts these minivans serve, rest assured that the Lexus LM will blow away the lesser Toyota luxury minivans such as the Alphard, Vellfire, and the GranAce from arrival to departure. Consider yourselves VIPs.

Available Colors: Sonic Quartz, Sonic Titanium, Graphite Black Glass Flake, and Sonic Agate.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

My FH5 Log: The last V8 JDM Coupes

What do the Lexus RC and the LC have in common? They're both coupes, they both have V8 engines, and they both took part in Super GT a long time ago.

Lexus is the only Japanese car brand that can stuff a V8 engine on their sports coupes such as the RC F and the LC 500, and as the world braces for the new normal, they'll soon be wiped out from the face of the earth. Before giving these two V8 JDM coupes a proper send-off, let's get to know them first.

The facelifted Lexus RC F in its Track Edition (Performance Package in Japan) glory is one of the DLC cars in the game and one of the most potent Japanese sports cars to drive in the game. 

For its minor change, the RC F's 5.0L V8 engine has been slightly boosted by 5HP of power and 8Nm of torque thanks to its revised intake routing and lower rpm trigger for the secondary intake opening. While extensive lightweight materials aren't enough for an ordinary RC F, the Track Edition (Performance Package) variant saw the fixed rear wing, the bonnet, the roof, and other aerodynamic materials made from carbon fiber as well as Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, a titanium muffler and tailpipe, dropping the weight between 70 to 80kg. 

Such extensive lightweight work made this variant goes from 0-100kph in four seconds, half a second quicker than the pre-facelifted RC F.

The Lexus LC 500 is the prize car from Forza Horizon 5's Midnights at Horizon Dry Season Playlist. I obtained it after hitting 20 points in the said playlist and now that I got one, it's time to have a word with this car. Of course, because it runs on the TNGA platform, this is the first time the Forza franchise featured a Toyota/Lexus model donning the TNGA platform, so let's have an earful with it. Ahem. With styling inspired by the LF-LC Concept, the LC 500 is powered by the same 5.0L V8 engine as the RC F mentioned above but with 472HP of power produced while mated to a Lexus-first 10-speed AT. 

The Lexus LC became the last Lexus vehicle to compete in the Super GT's GT500 class before it was replaced by the Toyota GR Supra for the 2020 season. In its three-season tenure from 2017 to 2019, the LC 500 emerged as the two-time champion with the #37 KeePer TOM'S and the #6 WAKO'S 4CR LC500 bagging the titles.

Both the RC F and the LC500 are like two sides of the same coin. The RC F, in its Track Edition glory, is all about showcasing the true side of the RC F while the LC500, well, it was basically built with grand touring in mind, unlike its Super GT-winning equivalent. Differences aside, they're both a real blast to drive because of their "over 9000" behavior, rumbling V8 soundtrack, and the Japanism lurking beneath them. It's no wonder most speedo boys had wanton fantasies about Japanese sports cars, especially these two that are in their prime.

Speaking of prime, it's time to give these two Japanese V8 coupes the proper send-off they need, and with Guanajuato's my personal lab for their last dance, it's time to give these aging eight-cylinder samurais the regal finale they'll never forget. Roll the tape.

After their last dance, here are the results;

LC 500 - 1m.11.455s

RC F Track Edition - 1m09.336s

It looks like the RC F Performance Package wins the final fight against the LC500 by nearly two seconds. What an astonishing gap between them even though they're both powered by the same ancient force that woke them.

As their time in this unstable world is nearing its climax, rest assured that the LC500 and the RC F are the greatest machines ever to come out from Japan because they're the last V8 sports cars to come out from the Land of the Rising Sun. Although it sounds cruel, this is the new normal we live in but their legacies will be forever in our hearts and minds.

Domo arigato, our ever-favorite V8 JDM coupes. You made us proud.

Lexus RZ 450e

The first-ever Lexus RZ has arrived, signaling the start of Lexus's journey to electrification in the midst of the new normal. So, what's it all about Lexus's first original electric crossover that shook the world since its world premiere?

2023 Lexus RZ

Priced at an ultra-expensive 8.8 million Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the first-ever Lexus RZ electric crossover is an all-original electric crossover built from the ground up and ready to take on the new normal like bread and butter. The razor-sharp looks, luxurious interior, cutting-edge technology, and modest performance made the RZ a worthy contender to the likes of Mercedes's EQC and Audi's Q8 e-Tron.

2023 Lexus RZ

Beginning with the design, the RZ draws inspiration from the LF-Z Electrified Concept, the one that spearheaded Lexus's new design direction that was started with the second-generation NX. Forged by the brand's new design direction, the RZ, as the name implies, is razor sharp and knife edge in every direction, and if looks could kill, the RZ is the last thing you'll ever see on the road. It takes a stealthy approach as an electric crossover until it delivers its second strike.

2023 Lexus RZ interior

Razor sharp the exterior design is, the RZ features a fully functional interior that combines minimalism, a user-friendly approach, and comforts like a true luxury car should. At the driver's side, the RZ features a conventional steering wheel at launch, a rotary shift selector, a new and compact air conditioning unit, an available digital rear-view mirror, a 14-inch touchscreen with a rather annoying voice activation feature, USB-C connectivity, and more.

On the comfort side, the RZ can accommodate up to five people, and although too expensive to be used as a people carrier or for TNVS purposes, its purpose is to escort VIPs to their desired situation like a boss. As for boot space, the RZ can accommodate 522 liters of luggage with the rear seats present, and when folded down, it can fit up to 1451 liters. Coupled with useful features such as the hands-free power back door, a tonneau cover, and a hidden deck board underneath, there are many ways to make use of the RZ's boot space for keeps.

2023 Lexus RZ

Running on the e-TNGA platform used by the rental-only Toyota bZ4X, the RZ features eAxle, DIRECT4 AWD system, and the most sophisticated chassis and suspension setup curated to deliver a signature Lexus driving feel no matter where you're going. With its posture, traction, and power distribution, the RZ's dynamics are nearly great to live with and it takes guts to fully understand how it behaves on the open road.

Asked about the steering, the RZ features a conventional rack-assisted electric power steering system that feels above average for an electric crossover like this. However, to bring the most out of the RZ, Lexus is working on a new One Motion Grip steer-by-wire system coming to this mid-decade as a new option. The One Motion Grip system involves the use of an F1-style steering wheel, otherwise known as the yoke, which delivers less stress and more engagement for the drivers. Although controversial, the special steering wheel is worth checking out if Lexus is done experimenting with it and ready for market introduction.

Because of its eAxle, DIRECT4, and its 71.40kWh lithium battery pack, the RZ's electric propulsion system produces a total power output of 313PS and 432Nm of torque output. It has a 0-100kph time of less than five and a half seconds and a top speed of 160kph. The driving range is good for 494km based on WLTC Mode standards.

As an electric crossover built for the new normal, the Lexus RZ features a wide array of advanced safety features such as a Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert and Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Change Assist, Driver Monitor, Proactive Driving Assist, and more. Such features are worth surprising for the drivers behind the wheel, although some would not be happy about these features.

The first-ever Lexus RZ truly is the start of a new era for Lexus at the age of electrification. Although above average to drive until the yoke is loose, the razor-sharp styling, interior, and tech made the RZ fit for the new normal. This is something to watch out for; stealthy recasting and a second strike.

Available colors: Sonic Quartz, Sonic Iridium, Sonic Chrome, Graphite Black Glass Flake, Sonic Copper, and Ether Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Lexus RX (A10/A15/H16/H17)

The Lexus RX, the forefather of luxury crossovers, is now on its fifth generation, and it promises to be the most revolutionary RX ever made because of its powerhouse choice of powertrains, highly advanced tech, and the most luxurious features to date.

2023 Lexus RX

With prices starting at 6,640,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the all-new, fifth-generation, Lexus RX is the latest evolution of the forefather of luxury crossovers. How's it going right now is entirely up to this newest version, which is packed with new features that made it the best RX ever made.

2023 Lexus RX

Beginning with the design, the new RX carries the new-generation Lexus design DNA inherited from the current NX, so you can think of it as its big brother. While the controversial front face is the signature Lexus moment, the rear view can be easily mistaken for the defunct Infiniti QX70 while the rear view can be vaguely mistaken for an Opel Adam. Despite its debatable design, it's still the best of both worlds and the same goes for the sporty F SPORT variant with sporty aesthetics slapped all over.

2023 Lexus RX interior

The new interior adopts the Tazuna Concept approach to make it minimal and driver-focused. The Remote Touch from the previous model's gone because it now features a touchscreen on the dashboard with a set of dials on it for volume control and others as well as USB-C outlets, ambient lighting system, available Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system, available Qi wireless charging port, and others. Some would find it rocket science but it's worth fun toying with its features, given that you don't want to spend too much time on the voice control a la Alexa.

On the passenger side, this five-seater is more spacious in boot space and legroom terms than the previous model thanks to its bigger dimensions. This should be more than enough to escort VIPS while carrying sensitive cargo like a classified courier on a mission.

2023 Lexus RX

Running on the improved TNGA platform, the all-new RX behaves better than the previous model it replaces, and no matter which driving mode you're on, be it in its most comfortable setting or in the sportiest setting (if you're in the F SPORT variant), it always leaves a lasting impression everywhere. Although it feels Audi-ish to drive, the new RX is all about making a statement on those behind the wheel.

Speaking of powerhouse choice of powertrains; the all-new RX is offered with a choice of a turbo, PHEV, and the first ever turbo-hybrid exclusive for the RX500 F SPORT Performance. The RX350's T25A-FTS 2.4L turbo engine produces 279PS of power, 430Nm of torque, and while mated to an 8-speed AT, it has 11.8km/L of fuel economy. In the first-ever RX450h+ PHEV, the A25A-FX5 2.5L petrol engine is connected to two electric motors generating a total of 309PS of power, and while mated to a CVT gearbox, it has 18.8km/L of fuel economy. Lastly, the first-ever RX500 F SPORT Performance combines the 2.4L T24A-FTS turbocharged engine to two electric motors and a nickel-metal battery, producing a sporty 371PS of power and while mated to a 6-speed AT, it has 14.4km/L of fuel economy. All are calculated by WLTC Mode standards.

Because the world is in the middle of the new normal, the all-new RX comes with Lexus Safety System +, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems such as Proactive Driving Assist, Pre-Collision Safety, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Advanced Drive, Advanced Park, and Safe Exit Assist, among many others.

After two decades of evolution, the fifth-generation Lexus RX feels like it had reached its zenith. It's not just an evolution, it's more like a revolution as some would say. As a luxury crossover built for all walks of life, the Lexus RX is all business, all leisure, like it or not. The more you know.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Lexus LX600 (VJA310W)

First launched in Japan in the fall of 2015, the Lexus LX is a monstrously-sized SUV catered for those who think their Toyota Land Cruiser is not enough. Although it has more power and luxury compared to its Land Cruiser brother, it struggled to catch up because of the bourgeois price tag and sizing that is worth a challenge on Japanese roads. With the arrival of the all-new LX, looks like owners of last year's Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series are in for a bittersweet moment...

2023 Lexus LX

Priced at an ultra-expensive 12.5 million Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the all-new Lexus LX is prepared to steal the Toyota Land Cruiser 300's spotlight by any means necessary, although it's still as premium and capable as its Land Cruiser 300 brother, with some added touches that will bring tears of shame to those who have owned a Land Cruiser 300.

2023 Lexus LX

Beginning with the design, the all-new LX is something to be called bourgeois probably because of its added size that will be challenging to live with Japanese and European motoring conditions but mostly because of the massive front grille that will embarrass even the most bourgeois-looking BMWs of today. Speedo boys truly dislike cars with massive grilles because of being pointless and silly but this is the new normal, ladies and gentlemen. Although the front face is revolting, the LX is the second Lexus to ditch the logo at the back in favor of the LEXUS lettering first seen in the second-generation NX crossover as part of the brand's next design chapter.

2023 Lexus LX

Checking on the interior, the all-new LX now boasts two monitors on the dashboard, a first for a Lexus vehicle. The top is a touch screen that works, unlike the previous model where you will only use the Remote Touch to select various modes, which the new model no longer possesses. The bottom screen, meanwhile, is where it displays climate control and driving-related information. There's so much to toy around with the dashboard but the great Achilles Heel of the new interior is the new fingerprint recognition on the engine switch. While it was made to combat a bad case of GTA, the implementation of fingerprint recognition is like the one account per person rule. It's a lot difficult setting up a new one in the case when your original account's in trouble, but anyway, long story short.

In addition to having five or seven seats, the all-new LX features a four-seater variant for the first time under the EXECUTIVE tagline. The LX600 EXECUTIVE features two larger rear seats with extra legroom, special climate control features, a multi-function rear console, and extended legroom with an ottoman for when you want to relax. Something that Boss Madam is more than happy to have. Whichever LX you choose, they're more spacious than their predecessor as expected.

Just like the new Toyota Land Cruiser, the glorious V8 engine of its predecessor has been thrown away and replaced by a more polar bear-friendly V35A-FTS V6 3.5L Twin Turbo engine that produces 415PS of power and 305NM of torque. Mated to a Direct Shift 10AT, it delivers up to 8.1kmpl of fuel economy based on WLTC Mode Standards. Slightly more than the Land Cruiser.

Thanks to its GA-F platform, lightweight and rigid bodywork, front double wishbones, rear four-link rigid axle, Active Height Control, Adaptive Variable Suspension, all-wheel-drive, Electric Power Steering, Electronically Controlled Brake system, and many other improvements, not to mention offroad-handy features such as Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select, the new LX feels livelier and more capable than the previous model, although its spartan driving manners fit for a heavyweight offroader lingers on. It almost feels like an American offroader in various ways, but with the OFFROAD variant with a specially-made differential, the new LX feels like it's ready to take on the elements in style and command. Weekends at Hannibal's, anyone?

Being a high-value luxury offroader made in Japan, the all-new LX features Lexus Safety System+, an improved suite of safety features such as Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, BladeScan, and more.

Being the most premium and capable Japanese luxury offroader ever built, the all-new Lexus LX is more than ready to take on the new normal with its commanding presence, luxurious interior, turbocharged V6 engine, and an arsenal of gadgetry. Those who had the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 will be sorry because the LX features everything that its Toyota equivalent doesn't have and those who haven't been feeling jelly, wishing they would like to have a taste of the new LX someday. Whatever the reason, the ultimate luxury offroader has finally arrived and it's time to roll down the red carpet for the new model.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Second Generation Lexus NX

The Lexus NX, Japan's answer to the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and the BMW X3, is now on its second generation and this new model has signaled a fresh new chapter to the Lexus history. So, how did the new model manage to hit the reset button on the Lexus timeline and promise new beginnings? Let's find out.

2022 Lexus NX

The all-new, second-generation, Lexus NX, which starts at around 4,550,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, marks the new chapter of Lexus because judging by the looks of it, the new NX sets the template for future Lexus vehicles and this is something the world should look forward to it.

Why does the new NX set the new standard for Lexus? Look closely at its new design. For starters, the front face looks nearly identical to the previous model but the rear view is where everything changes because this is the first Lexus production model bearing the LEXUS lettering on the rear instead of the logo. This new adoption truly sparked a revolution, not evolution, in the future of Lexus designs and the new NX really is the prime example that the next generation of Lexus vehicles should follow, like it or not.

Although it's slightly bigger than the previous model, thanks to the GA-K platform its Toyota RAV4 equivalent dons, the new NX is almost compact and has no problems snugging through Tokyo traffic like a typical shot caller ready for another day at the meeting boardroom.

2022 Lexus NX interior

2022 Lexus NX interior

Like the new exterior design, the new interior also marks a major change for Lexus as well. The Remote Touch, first introduced in the third-generation RX in 2009, has been dumped for good and the new 9.8-inch screen on the dashboard is basically, surprise, a touch screen. Of course, to avoid scaring speedo boys behind the wheel, there are buttons and dials for the volume and climate control. Thoughtful thinking. That's surprisingly conservative compared to the German opposition donning speedo-boy-scaring gadgetries.

Despite its slightly longer wheelbase, the new model is slightly less roomy than the previous model, which is a bit of a whammy for the new model, judging by the fact that the boot space is 10L less than its predecessor with the rear seats present and with the rear seats folded, that's about 164L less. Ouch.

2022 Lexus NX

The GA-K platform the new NX dons gave the crossover a sedan-riding comfort and dynamics, which is pretty nice for a compact midsize SUV that tries to keep up against the Germans. Riding on FF layout alone, it's about as mild as a Dove soap, but with the 4WD layout on, the NX is all about being prepared for whatever life throws at it. Milder than the FF one but it's good on so many levels.

With the F SPORT variant, the NX's dynamics balance its mild character with a more dramatic feel, giving drivers plenty of reasons to enjoy it but in the end, it's all common sense.

The new NX is offered with a choice of new Dynamic Force engines such as the 2.5L petrol, 2.5L hybrid, and the first-ever 2.4L turbo engine. It's the first Lexus to have a PHEV variant, donning the same 2.5L PHEV powertrain as the RAV4 PHV. Petrol variants are mated to an 8-speed automatic while the hybrid and the PHV are equipped with the CVT.

The NX350 F Sport is the most fun of the range because the newly-developed T24A-FTS 2.4L turbo engine that powers it produces 279PS of power and 430Nm of torque. Those who wanted to experience the true expression of the new NX should go for the NX450h+ because the combination of the A25A-FXS 2.5L petrol engine, two electric motors, and a Li-ion battery delivers 309PS of power, three more than the RAV4 PHV, and 19.8km/L of fuel economy based on WLTC standards. Lastly, those who want to travel further should go for the less exciting NX350h because of the 2.5L hybrid powertrain that delivers up to 22.2kmpl based on WLTC standards.

The new NX comes with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring the most advanced driver aids such as Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking, Right/Left Turn Oncoming Pedestrian Detection/Braking, the updated Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management, Road Sign Assist, Lane Assistance, Intelligent High Beam, and more.

So, what to like about the new NX? It's the new design that sets the new standard for future Lexus vehicles coming soon, the functional interior, a wide array of powertrains available, and the most advanced tech available. What's not to like is the space and nothing more. Like it or not, the new NX is truly a sign of things to come for Lexus, and being the first to don the next evolution of Lexus designs, looks like the trumpet has blown. Get ready.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation